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• January 26, 2012 7:53 a.m.

  "REPEAT" c-sections are typically different than the initial. For those mothers who are claiming we are being selfsih you REALLLLLLLY have no understanding of what you are speaking of. I had an emergency c-section with my first child. I did not wish to but you do what is best for the baby. Because of that surgery I was left with internal scar tissue that never healed properly. Unfortunately, for the medical boards who write this NONSENSE that is not a good enough reason to be deemed more than "elective". But let us talk about what these so called experts AREN'T telling you. If your internal scars tear you risk the life of not only yourself but your baby as well. Complications such as internal bleeding are not an issue that should be taken lightly. I have to have a second c-section. Because the Dr. has seen no physical evidence of tearing he has to call it "elective". That is because a group of board memebers who are NOT your Dr. and who do not know your body personally made it that way! Was my Dr. upset? Of course and he has been an OB for over 25 years. However, as he explained to me.. should I go early it becomes an Emergency due to the risk on my body! Remember that sometimes the risk to the mother and baby are greater than you know.. and there are not always physical signs!

  - Brandi

• June 23, 2011 12:53 p.m.

  Jeanne, our pelvic bone in the front, the symphis pubis, is really 2 bones. As pregnancy advances, the bones can begin to separate because of the hormones of pregnancy. It is part of what helps the pelvis make room for the baby. Your grandaughter should make sure she understands why she needs a C. Section before it is done.

  - Mary @ Mayo

• June 22, 2011 10:59 a.m.

  My grand daughter was just told that she will require a c sect because her pelvic bone is separating. She is not due till early sept. Where can I find info on this situation?

  - Jeanne

• January 6, 2011 1:58 p.m.

  Heather, I think you are right to question the timing of your surgery. It should be what is best for you and the baby only. Ask your OB to review the American College of OB/GYN criteria for performing elective repeat C.Sections. Keep asking until you are comfortable with the answers.

  - Mary @ Mayo

• January 3, 2011 3:29 a.m.

  Hi Mary, I have Crohn's disease and have had multiple bowel surgeries. My OB has decided I need a c-section and said we can schedule one for 38 1/2 weeks, because that falls on a Tuesday when she likes to do them. She assured me that the baby will be fine. I'm only 28 weeks now. I told her I'd prefer to go into labor and then have the c-section, but she wants my gastro surgeon involved in the procedure, so it has to be scheduled. I want to insist on waiting until I'm more than 39 weeks. Am I too worried? How often are babies due before the due date, because I'd love to even wait until 39 1/2 weeks. Is there a way to tell if the baby is ready once the scheduled c-section is close at hand? Thank you!

  - Heather

• October 7, 2010 5:02 a.m.

  I think I'm very fortunate to have a great doctor. From beginning i wanted a c-section and my doc had no problem with that, however he only scheduled my delivery for 39weeks and 3days and I still went for a amniocentesis to make sure of lung maturity. He said he will not take out baby if its not ready. We thank the doctors who still cares. Janet - South Africa

  - Janet

• September 30, 2010 7:41 p.m.

  Hi i do believe reading medical comments .that having a c section at nearly 38 weeks did cause medical problems for my daughter . reading heart defects that this is quite common having an early c section . I should have had a normal delivery but was sent to hospital 14 days early because i was told my baby was a large baby and to be induced which didn't work .. and by messing with nature that the birth of my daughter was a traumatic experience .. not what you would want .. at 6 weeks old my daughter was diagnosed with T.A.P.V.C. she is well and nearly 4 and i'm so proud of her such a strong and determined little girl and brave thank you my beautiful xxxx.

  - sue

• July 13, 2010 10:30 a.m.

  I think you are very wise to wary about this plan. The American College of OB/GYN has very specific recommendations regarding the timing of repeat C. Section. The March of Dimes web site would have information for you also. If your physician feels he has a medical reason for delivering you that early, you would still need an amniocentesis to make sure the baby's lungs are mature. That involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sack and withdrawling fluid for testing. I recommend that you get a second opinion if possible. If this isn't possible then keep questioning your physician until you feel comfortable with his answers.

  - Mary @ mayo.com

• July 13, 2010 1:20 a.m.

  HELP! On my 3rd baby, 28 weeks today. 1st baby 11.5lbs,wasn't given the option to push after the ultrasound came out-dr said her shoulders were just too wide & he'd probably break her collar bone or paralyze the left side of her face. We'd been trying for 3 years,I didn't question it.6 yrs later,2nd baby-waited so long for her I didn't like the VBAC risks. she came out 9lb12oz, truly believe I couldve pushed her out though. neither pregnancy did I have diabetes or any other problems, nor do I have gestational diabetes or other health issues with now. Dr had to do a t cut on the 2nd baby so her head could fit out of the incision and says because of that I should take this one out at 36 weeks. I REALLY DON'T WANT TO! I understand VBAC is not really an option at this point for me, i'm fine with the necessary csexn, but at 36 weeks??? It just kept sounding like it was more 'convenient' the way it was explained to me. Help??? i've been combing the internet trying desperately to seek answers on why an early planned c section. i belong to a HMO and feel a 2nd opinion with another dr would be stacked against me anyhow. any thoughts, direction as to where else I can look would be much appreciated.

  - amy

• May 5, 2010 2:07 p.m.

  Shell, I really can't answer your question without knowing more. I think you might find resources about the medical complications with her pelvic bones. That might lead to more understanding about the need for a C Section. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.

  - Mary @ Mayo.com

• May 4, 2010 11:46 a.m.

  My daughter has been informed by her doctor due to medical complications with her pelvic bones that she will have to C-Section if she ever gets pregnant. They told her it will break her pelvic bone. Where do I find more information on what causes this kind of condition.

  - Shell

• April 27, 2010 4:27 p.m.

  This post is primarily to address those wondering, "Why?". The reality is, there ARE valid reasons for scheduling repeat c-sections. I've had 6, altogether, though this certainly wouldn't have been my first choice. I'll spare you all the complicated history and multiple difficulties I've encountered with each of my pregnancies. Suffice it to say that two surgeries were emergency and the following 4 were scheduled because the "benefit outweighed the risk". And yes, three of those were even scheduled prior to 39 weeks. The specialist pushed for 37 weeks but I would not relent and all were performed between 37 1/2 weeks-39 weeks. Two of those resulted in babies having to go to the NICU. Was it fun? No. Ideal? No. Necessary? Absolutely. I don't enjoy the NICU experience. I've had LOTS of experience there, unfortunately. My preemie died in the NICU 9 years ago. So, while 10 days in the NICU and then 48 hours in the NICU with births number 5 & 6 were not my idea of a picnic, my babies are happy, healthy & growing well...AND they have a momma to raise them.

  - Amy

• April 10, 2010 11:06 p.m.

  My first was an emergency c-section (baby in distress) at 37 1/2 wks. My doctor said second would have to be c-section because the small town we live in does not have the trained staff to be on call if a VBAC is attempted and an emergency c-section is necessary. Second and later c-sections require more care in cutting through scar tissue. Now pregnant with #3, and the only thing that concerns me is having discomfort from scar tissue "fusing" organs. Both of my previous c-sections were performed by different doctors, and 3rd will be another doctor. Mississippi has a high litigation rate and ob/gyn's can't afford malpractice insurance here.

  - Jennifer

• March 31, 2010 11:50 a.m.

  I am really confused..my first daughter was a natural vaginal birth and very straight forward other than having to be induced at 38 wks due to gestational diabetes. My second baby due on 28th April 2010 would have had to be delivered naturally at 38 weeks again to avoid the complications associated with the diabetes. However, baby is breech and I have been advised to opt for c-section. Do the same risks associated with the babies lungs development present themselves at 38 weeks whether the birth is natural or c-section? Because my first daughter had no complications at all.

  - TPB

• March 25, 2010 2:09 p.m.

  I recently wrote a blog about elective primary c. sections. That referred to electing to have the c. section without an indication. This blog is about scheduled repeat c. sections. Some times repeat c.sections are referred to as elective but that is generally a way of saying there are no other indications. I don't think any woman should be judged for how her baby comes out of her body. The decision should be made between the health care provider and the woman and the decision should be based on having all the information, pros and cons.

  - mary@mayo

• March 10, 2010 7:47 a.m.

  I think it is unfortunate that c-sections after vaginal birth(VBAC) is considered "elective c- sections. I'm having and "elective c-section" for my third child after having two previous c-sections. The last one being an emerency and having a child with severe cerebral palsy, epilepsy, feeding tubes, and neurogenic bladder. All of this due to attempting a VBAC and having a uterine rupture and placenta abruption. So after all of that and knowing the risks to me and my baby, am I "electing" to have a c-section or is my doctor and I doing the responsible thing and delivering my baby at 38 weeks to prevent a repeat uterine ruptrue? "elective" should be applied to those that have no medical necessity but do it for convienece of doctor or mother, and physical comfort level. Judgment is not necessary but restrictions to both mother and doctor should be applied

  - Cheryl

• February 19, 2010 9:04 p.m.

  this is my second pregnancy. my first daughter was delivered by c-section after i had 2 inductions that left me dialated to barely a one. i have 2 sisters that also had to have c-sections. we had no choice c-section was our only option. this pregnancy has been full of new surprises for me. i was diagnosed with a threatened miscariage at 8 weeks, than at 25 weeks i developed superficial thombophlebitis which spread from below my knee to the top of my hip in a 2 week period, now at 28 weeks i have been diagnoses with gestational diabetes (just found out today YEAH!). my doctor had said we will schedual a repeat c-section 1-2 weeks early she doesn't want to do it any earlier for the babys health. this pregnancy has had our family on pins and needles. i fear for the baby and myself. i had a miscarriage in april and it nearly killed me. i cant loose another one. i will do anything i can to ensure this baby is healthy, but i will not let them put both our lives at risk to wait a few extra weeks. this will be my last pregnancy i dont ever want to go through this again.

  - Emily

• July 11, 2009 4:17 p.m.

  anyone to judg a mothers wishes is the one who is selfiish. A mother knows her limits and a docter would not submit if it was wrong

  - sheena

• May 21, 2009 11:09 a.m.

  i had a emergency c section almost 4 years ago due to not progressing after being induced twice in two days due to gestational diabetes at 39 weeks now i am 29 weeks and me and my doctor agree a repeat c section is in order my diabetes is not as bad as it was with my son but we are anticipating a larger baby my son was 8 lbs 8 ounces a week early so the decision was made to avoid a repeat hard labor that may stall since diabetes can stall labor many people make their own decision to have a c section and i think it should done if the doctor agrees with the patients wishes and medically needed ones shouldnt be considered in peoples choices. this time we will be going a week early once again to avoid a baby over 9 lbs but at the rate my daughter is growing i think she will already be 9 lbs by 39 weeks.

  - dmrh

• March 18, 2009 10:41 p.m.

  Is no one going to point out that the doctor should first do no harm? If there is no justification for the C section then it absolutely should not be performed and therefore elective c sections should not even exist. It should not be an elective choice, it is truly major surgery with risks. If a woman finds herself having to undergo surgery to protect herself or the baby then it is warranted but anything other seems selfish and that is no way to start out a job that requires you to be selfless.

  - Debra

• March 15, 2009 7:39 p.m.

  I think some people are missing the whole point of the article which addresses REPEAT c-sections. I had to have an emergency c-section after 48 hours of labor and my daughter going into distress. I have chosen to have a repeat c-section because of the risks associated with a vbac. No one on here has any right to judge me.

  - rebecca

• February 21, 2009 1:46 p.m.

  I agree that it is up to the mother; however, it is hard to believe that any mother would take the risk of an elective c-section before 39 weeks, especially if she's been informed of the complications. Maybe some mothers do not understand the importance of letting the baby mature in the womb, the safest place possible in most cases. I think that the care provider really needs to communicate with the mother considering early delivery and make sure she knows the risks and complications involved. I wonder why they even allow elective c-sections before 39 weeks? Why would anyone want to take the chance of having to leave the hospital without their baby because it needs to stay longer to develop to survive on it's own? I don't know why, but it seems awful selfish.

  - Jody

• February 12, 2009 12:06 a.m.

  I am a first child from a c-section and since my birth my siblings were also delivered by c-section. In total there are 5 of us. Our mother did not chose to have us by c-section but that is the way it happened. We have grown into healthy adults and adolescents and were born that way as well. My children have also had to be delivered by c-section. I see nothing wrong with it. I would never have elected to have one because I am deathly afraid of going under the knife. I do believe though that it is/should be up to the mother. If she elects to have one so be it. No one should be judged for their choices regarding their own body and child.

  - Ami K

• February 8, 2009 5:17 a.m.

  The key word is REPEAT-it has already been done previously. VBAC is vaginal birth after cesarean. The risks vs. c-section and vaginal is controversial after previous c-section. You have to consider mom and baby!

  - lucy

• February 5, 2009 11:23 a.m.

  I think its wrong to judge someone for choosing to have a c-section. If that is what the mother feels comfortable with then so be. It doesn't mean that she won't have a bond with that child or that she loves her child less than if delivery was vaginal. I think if a mothers chooses a c-section then she must have a good reason. I am sick of people treating c-section mothers like they are less than par.

  - Scrappy